maintence

That generation Altima is notorius for bad gaskets and pistons, pistons are expensive but if he can afford it I would reccomend replacing them with graphite coated pistons and def. replace the basic gaskets, valve cover, oil pan and stuff.

There is no timing belt on Altimas, no need to change the chains unless there is noise. Replacing the Spark plugs, fuel and air filters, and coolant are good ideas.

I wouldn't replace the pistons unless there is a real reason to tear the engine down. The intake manifold gasket does leak air sometimes, if the car idles rough it may be the cause.

If that gasket goes bad is it difficult to replace? I think it may have gone bad in my car, it has idled rough since I bought it in May 2001, and a few days ago, I lost alot of pickup, think a fuel injector went bad. I could never pinpoint the problem.

It's not a fun one to get to. It's typically a full day job in the shop. To pinpoint it, spray carb cleaner around the area of the intake manifold to the head. If the idle changes, then that is where the problem is. Usually the leak is on #4 cyl intake hole.

Should I attempt it myself then? I really can't afford 8 hours in a shop at

It depends on your abilities and work area. You need to be able to get under the car comfortably to reach up to get to some of the bolts. The bolts on the lower side are difficult to reach into, and it is a small space that you need to contort your body to get a hold of the bolts.

timing belt tensioner pulley for the timing belt waterpump belts hoses radiator cap

illusi> Hi, i am asking this for my boyfriend he has a 97 altima with about 80k on.